(A number of upcoming directors have agreed to blog their travails in the film industry, exclusively on Telugu360. This blog is the first in the series)

Looking at some of the most sought after directors in the film industry might make it seem like being a director is the coolest thing ever. Yes, it is. We won’t deny that. But did you know reaching the very glamorous position isn’t a very glamorous journey after all? On the way, there’s a bumpy ride many go through. From, people who want to steal the work to people who’ll make promises they can’t Lee, it’s quite a tiresome way there. We bring to you stories of some directors and the struggles they had to face in their journey to reach where they are today. We are hiding the identities of the filmmakers for the sake of their privacy but each and every story is true.

Here is the blog of a director who got a break after 10 long years.

“I am in my late 30s today and have recently had my first release. But I have been in the industry for over 15 years and have worked with some of the most renowned directors and have been part of some of the biggest blockbusters. I’ve seen my work getting plagiarized and used without any credits. But today as I make my debut, I only think of how everyone would look at me as someone who made his debut quite late in his career.

But let me tell you, the journey so far was long and quite tiresome. During my stint in the directorial department with other directors, I was introduced to a maverick director from the industry. This director was impressed by my script, and he announced a film with me. It was a decent launch, grand enough for a debutant to be happy. I remember investing nearly two and half years on the project but sadly it never took off. To my surprise,  the maverick director himself went on to direct the film using my story without giving any credits. Of course it was his own interpretation of the controversial story. If I look back, I can only think of the years wasted.

But that wasn’t the end, another project worked out with a producer in hand as well. The producer was a YSR Congress leader. As fate turns out, he lost 2014 elections and so the project was cancelled. Yet again, I had invested quite a few years in the project. And I realized with a project already being announced, I can’t become a co-director because it would be a step down. And by the time all this process finished, six years just flew by. For anyone who saw my first film, all they thought was that I am starting late. But only I know how every time an opportunity slipped from my hand. And after all the hard work, this film’s result decides my future. But it’s scary and I wish I could rewind the time. I would be young and would have time in hand. Today, I am worried I will end up without proving myself.”